CHORAL SOCIETY.

For the first time m ita career the Blenheim Choral Society produced last night a dramatic cantata, m character, and with all the necessary stage effects. The work selected for the Society's maiden effort was Gilbert and Sullivan's "Trial by Jury," and the enterprise was rewarded by a very large audience, which filled almost every seat m Ewart's Hall, the reserved seats being crowded. We are among those who think that, hi departing from its purely musical aim, a Choral Society does not act wisely, and that it unnecessarily offends the opinions or prejudices of some of. ita supporters by producing what is neither more nor less than a Btage play. The music of " Trial by Jury," though light and pleasing, ia, musically speaking, like the froth of champagne— its effect is neither useful, nor lasting. With all Che wealth of oratorio and the higher walks of musical life at the command of the Society, it seems a pity that the members should, even to please the public, and for an undeniably good object, infringe m any way upon the province of a dra- ] matic club. Anything which diverts the attention of the members from the study and the audience from the enjoyment of the music and concentrates It upon stage dresses or effects is, m the higher and nobler sense, to be earnestly, deprecated. Judging the. matter, however, not from this -severer standard, but from the point of , view adopted by the Society and its supporters, last night's performance : was the greatest success ever achieved m Blenheim. The- solo parts were, 'upon 'the whole, satisfactorily 'filled. The .bridesmaids wore a charming appearance, and the jurymen made the oomio show those gentlemen always do upon the. eUge. The choruses, went 'with spirit,' and there ' was only one noticeable hitch m the swing of the whole cantata. Etcept a tendency to jaing flat m the sopranos, and an amateurish habit of dropping the voice on the part of the soloists, there was little to call for unfavorable remark. The gentleman who enacted tha -Judge, robed m forensic wig, gown, and bands, gave a rendering of the character much over the average of amatenr efforts. The singing and by-play of the Defendant were really clever, and it .seemed .. hardly possible that ; ;be or ; anyone- else could steel their hearts against so charming and tuneful a Plaintiff. The Plaintiffs Counsel sang his part clearly and accurately ; ana the little business allotted, to the Foreman of the Jury received due' justice. The vocal powers of the Usher were inadequate for so important a bass part, but his appearance established him m the good graces of the audience, and he narrowly escaped being called before the curtain. The ladies dressed charmingly, and the stage was set successfully m imitation of a Court of Justice. We need hardly add that the applause was fieqaent, and the audience delighted.. Too muob praise cannot be awarded to the Orchestra which, under the leadership of ' Mr Trevithiok, contributed, very largely to the 1 success of the Cantata; or to Miuismily. Clark, whose services as pianists were brilliantly rendered. Mr J. P. Lucas conducted with his usual cafe and judgment Great credit is due to Mr Lucas and Mr Trevithick for the zeal and ability displayed m the production of the Cantata. The first part of last night's programme was devoted to miscellaneous vocal and instrumental selections which call for little comment Miss Augustus sang Donizetti's "There is music m the fountain" with taste, sweetness, and expression j and Mr Palliser made a decided hit with Stephen Adams' fine song "True to. the hut " The latter was encored, and the last part was repeated. The proceeds of last night'e concert will >be devoted, after payment of -'eipbnitos, to ' Hit Trevirhiok, and we trust that he will have a handsome sum, to receive.. ■ If onljr r for iuß.Beryices /'as' Stage Manager he deserves warm recognition! xwe underitaneMbat " Trial by Jury '» ' will be repeated very shortly forihe Honorary MtiUbersv of i the : Society, and" their friends. .:. , : : ■ - ■„■'. : :